Running A Family-Owned Business In L.A. Takes Dedication
When successful entrepreneur Harold E. Sparks eyed the Inglewood community of Los Angeles to launch his business enterprise in 1982, his foreknowledge was right on target. The greater L.A. region would later become a hot spot for independent operations, with more minority and women-owned establishments serving the public than in any other municipality in the nation.
By the time Sparks' industrious daughter and her ambitious husband, JC, purchased the thriving soul food restaurant from him in 2004, the popular eatery was well-established as a landmark and preferred place for locals, tourists and celebrities to enjoy a Southern-style breakfast.
Operating a family-owned company is not that simple, because there remains no standard blueprint to follow. Business plans and revenue projections modify often with the economic tide. Resilience is dependent upon set agreements, clear-cut expectations and a closely integrated family circle of dedicated workers.
"Most family-run restaurants are generational, with things changing drastically as the years go by," said Angela Johnson, co-owner of The Serving Spoon. "So, you learn rather quickly that change is inevitable, and that you had better make your adjustments to keep current on so many divergent levels."
What skill sets must owners of family-run companies possess?
"In order for family-owned businesses to prosper, owners must maintain great customer service, paired with a stupendous product. When people are deciding where they want to spend their money, customer service, which tends to be a lost skill set, makes a huge difference."
What is the main benefit of operating a family-owned restaurant?
"Being able to create a culture that makes people want to do business with you is highly rewarding."
How are you developing a transition plan?
"My husband and I are making sure our children are very familiar with every aspect of how to own and operate our business."
What is your message to the next generation of entrepreneurs?
"I encourage them to do their homework. It is imperative that they thoroughly research the business and speak to others in that particular field to get an idea of what it really takes, on every level, in order to become successful."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.